When most people think of cocaine, they might picture parties, nightclubs, or concerts. But cocaine addiction is a serious issue with potentially deadly consequences. Understanding the drug and its effects can help reveal just how dangerous it truly is.
Cocaine-related deaths in the U.S. have risen sharply in recent years. The CDC reports that fatalities jumped from 15,883 in 2019 to 29,449 in 2023—an 85% increase. Much of this rise is linked to cocaine being mixed with deadly opioids like fentanyl, which makes overdoses far more likely.
Although cocaine is often seen as a white powder that’s snorted, it can be used in several different ways. How someone takes the drug can change how it affects the body. Some methods of use carry higher risks, increasing the chances of addiction or serious health issues.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can create intense feelings of euphoria, which often leads to abuse. But the drug also comes with a long list of harmful physical and mental effects.
Stimulants like cocaine are known to raise blood pressure, speed up the heart, and increase body temperature. They can also lead to serious health problems, including:
When taken orally, cocaine is usually in powdered form. People may swallow it or rub it onto their gums, allowing the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When used intranasally, cocaine is typically powdered and snorted through the nose. This allows the drug to coat the nasal tissues and enter the bloodstream, producing effects that can last longer.
When inhaled, cocaine—often in the form of crack—is heated in a pipe and the vapors are breathed in. This method makes the drug take effect much faster, but it also increases the risk of addiction.
Injecting cocaine directly into the bloodstream is the most dangerous method of use. This involves dissolving the powder in water and injecting it with a needle. Sharing needles or improper technique greatly increases the risk of HIV, collapsed veins, and other serious health complications.
Regular use of cocaine can lead to dependence. Repeated exposure changes the brain’s neurons, causing the body to build a tolerance. Over time, a person may need more of the drug to feel the same effects, experience cravings when it’s not present, and rely on it to function normally.
In general, addiction typically develops through 3 main processes:
Tolerance happens when a person needs more of a substance to achieve the same effects or to prevent the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal.
Cravings are a core part of addiction, driving strong urges to use the drug and often leading to continued use or relapse. With cocaine, relapse rates remain high even after withdrawal and periods of abstinence, making professional support essential for successfully stopping use.
Dependence develops after repeated use, meaning the body starts relying on the substance to function. Without it, the body struggles to operate normally and can experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Cocaine use causes the brain to release dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward. Even seeing cues associated with the drug—like someone else using it—can trigger this same dopamine release, sparking cravings. Over time, these cravings can lead to continued use, increased tolerance, and physical dependence on the substance.
Cocaine can be detected in the body through several types of tests, each showing the drug for different lengths of time. Urine tests typically detect use for 2–3 days, hair tests can reveal use for several months, sweat tests for 1–2 days, blood tests for about 12 hours, and saliva tests for 1–2 days.
Other factors—such as age, gender, and overall health—can also affect how long cocaine remains in the system.
Street cocaine is often “cut” with substances like flour or talcum powder to increase profits. In recent years, however, dealers have increasingly mixed it with other drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl—sometimes called “dirty fentanyl.”
When users don’t realize their cocaine contains fentanyl, they may take it as usual, unaware that even a tiny amount of fentanyl can trigger a fatal overdose. This practice has contributed to a sharp rise in cocaine-related overdoses in recent years.
Cocaine is often labeled a “club drug” and is frequently combined with other substances. Many people use it alongside heavy alcohol consumption or with drugs like MDMA, LSD, ketamine, meth, or GHB. Mixing substances can intensify feelings of euphoria but also greatly increase the risk of serious health complications.
Whether you’re dealing with regular cocaine use or polysubstance abuse, the addiction specialists at Arizona IOP are here to help you achieve lasting sobriety.
A person’s environment, particularly during childhood, can greatly influence their risk for addiction. Studies using Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) tests show that individuals with signs of ACEs are more likely to struggle with substance abuse later in life, as well as mood and anxiety disorders.
Research suggests that substance abuse can sometimes run in families. In fact, one study found that cocaine use may have one of the highest rates of heritability among addictive substances.
Research indicates that certain personality traits can increase the risk of cocaine addiction. For example, one study found that individuals with narcissistic traits may be more vulnerable to both starting and continuing cocaine use.
Like many addictions, healthcare professionals use specific guidelines to formally diagnose substance addiction. In the past, substance abuse was seen as a mix of separate disorders. Today, it’s recognized as a spectrum, meaning even occasional use can contribute to long-term addiction issues. Because cocaine has many slang terms, it’s important for professionals to fully understand what a patient is referring to to get an accurate picture of their use and diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with cocaine addiction, a person must show at least 2 of the 11 recognized symptoms. These can include strong cravings, neglecting personal or work responsibilities, or experiencing withdrawal when use stops. If you’re showing signs of cocaine abuse, the addiction specialists at Arizona IOP can help guide you toward lasting recovery.
In 2013, people seeking help for cocaine use made up about 6% of treatment admissions, most of whom used crack cocaine or multiple substances. Cocaine addiction, like all addictions, is a complex issue influenced by many factors.
Before beginning treatment, clients should undergo a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying mental health concerns that may be contributing to their substance use.
There are two primary approaches to treating addiction:
One therapy that is effective for treating cocaine addiction is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is particularly helpful in preventing relapses, which is a key part of maintaining long-term sobriety.
Through this approach, clients learn to identify situations that may trigger cocaine use, develop strategies to avoid these triggers, and build healthy ways to cope with challenges related to drug use.
While behavioral therapies are often the primary form of treatment, combining therapy with medication can sometimes be the most effective approach. Currently, there are no FDA-approved forms of Medication-Assisted Treatment specifically for treating cocaine addiction, but some drugs have shown potential. For example, disulfiram—commonly used to treat alcoholism—has been found to help reduce cocaine use in some cases.
Finding the right addiction treatment can feel overwhelming, especially if you want care that fits your daily life. Arizona IOP in Arizona offers comprehensive outpatient programs designed to help you overcome cocaine addiction while maintaining your routine.
Our outpatient services provide access to master’s-level clinicians who address both addiction and any underlying issues that may contribute to it. Through counseling, therapy, and relapse-prevention support, clients can continue treatment safely and effectively without needing to stay on-site full time.
If you’re looking for treatment near home, visit FindTreatment.gov. Enter your zip code, and the site will show local treatment centers that can help you or a loved one address substance use and begin the path to recovery.
thousand people died from cocaine overdoses in 2018.
of drug-related emergency room visits were linked to cocaine use.
times more likely than women to die from cocaine overdoses.
